Biological and life-history parameters for Labeo rosae Steindachner, 1894 and Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) from Flag Boshielo Dam, Olifants River, South Africa

Abstract

Inland fisheries contribute towards food security for rural communities living close to large aquatic systems. However, sustainable inland fisheries rely on accurate biological information for the target species at the proposed fishery location. In this study, the biological information for Labeo rosae Steindachner, 1894 and Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) were determined at Flag Boshielo Dam, Olifants River system, Limpopo province, as part of a larger study to evaluate a small-scale gill net fishery at this impoundment. Nine fish surveys were conducted from February 2016 to April 2017 using mixed sampling gears. Labeo rosae exhibited positive allometric growth (b > 3) while O. mossambicus displayed negative growth (b < 3). For L. rosae, the asymptotic length was 391 mm L ∞, and the length-at-50% sexual maturity 165.8 mm. For O. mossambicus, the asymptotic length was 420 mm L ∞, and the length-at-50% sexual maturity 166.5 mm. Both species population stocks showed signs of exploitation. Total mortality for L. rosae was 0.57 yr−1 with a fishing exploitation of 0.21 yr−1, while total mortality of 0.78 yr−1 and fishing exploitation of 0.50 yr–1 were estimated for O. mossambicus. The biological data collected, apart from the length–weight parameters for O. mossambicus, are suitable for conducting a fisheries assessment for these species at Flag Boshielo Dam.